Started in 2016, our Commitment to Internationalization Lecture Series features experts in the field of international education. These experts help to foster ongoing, campus-wide conversations about the UI’s vision and strategic themes for campus internationalization. Topics are intended to have broad interest among faculty, administrators, and students.

Navigating the Unpredictable: The Private Sector as Partners in Humanitarian Response

Karri Goeldner Byrne

A senior advisor and independent consultant with experience across 35 countries, helping organizations navigate complex economic challenges in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 4 - 5 p.m. (CDT)
Location: Old Capitol Museum Senate Chambers

University of Iowa alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne (BA communication theory ‘92) is renowned for her 30-year career in international development, which has focused on helping businesses address complex economic challenges in some of the world’s most demanding environments. As a senior leader with Mercy Corps and the International Rescue Committee, Byrne helped to design market analysis tools that became the gold standard for understanding market systems in humanitarian contexts. She continues to support this mission as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Markets in Crisis Community of Practice.

Karri Goeldner Byrne will explore this topic as the 12th speaker in our annual Commitment to Internationalization Lecture Series. She is also a 2025 International Impact Award recipient and will receive the award during a ceremony preceding her lecture.